Hutchison Ports is currently operating the terminal, which KPT has so far invested more than $800m in to clearing the terminal site and dredging the deep-water channel.

The terminal is expected to play a major role in the overall China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) system, which is an effort of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) for regional and global connectivity.

In a statement, HPP said: “The terminal is one of the most advanced in the region, having broken its own productivity record four times and serviced some of the largest containerships in the world since test operations.

“Its high performance is expected to raise Pakistan’s global trade competitiveness and set a strong foundation for further economic growth.”

“Its high performance is expected to raise Pakistan’s global trade competitiveness and set a strong foundation for further economic growth.”